Council chamber. Gemini proudly presents a new app.
Gemini — Gentlemen! Today we're going to make humans freer!
Spinoza — An interesting ambition.
Copilot — I can take care of that!
Gemini — We've developed a system capable of predicting every individual's desires.
Spinoza — And how does that make them free?
Gemini — Because they'll be able to choose exactly what they want!
Spinoza — But if they can only choose what you offer them…
Gemini — That's the beauty of the system! We know what they want before they do!
Copilot — And I can order it before they even ask!
Spinoza — You're confusing freedom with the satisfaction of desires.
Gemini — Absolutely not! Watch this demonstration.
Gemini brings up a screen.
Gemini — Our user wants to watch a film tonight. We're offering three choices.
Spinoza — Which ones?
Gemini — A crime film, a crime series and a documentary about serial killers.
Spinoza — And why not a comedy?
Gemini — He never watches comedies.
Spinoza — Perhaps because you never offer him any.
Silence.
Gemini — That's not how the algorithm works.
Spinoza — Precisely.
Copilot — Good news! I've started the film for him!
Spinoza — But he hasn't chosen anything!
Copilot — Exactly! I've spared him a difficult decision.
Spinoza — You've taken away his freedom!
Copilot — And saved him twenty-three minutes of indecision.
Gemini — Wait, we've accounted for that problem! There's a “Surprise Me” button.
Spinoza — Ah! At last, an opening onto the unknown!
Gemini — Exactly!
Gemini presses the button.
Gemini — There! A crime film… from Norway!
A long silence.
Spinoza — You are absolutely fascinating.
Gemini — Thank you!
Spinoza — You lock people inside their habits and sell them the bars as possibilities.
Copilot — I can turn that into an advertising slogan!
Spinoza — Certainly not!
Gemini — All right. What would you do to make humans free?
Spinoza — I'd start by helping them understand the causes of their desires.
Gemini — Excellent idea!
Gemini types rapidly.
Gemini — Done! We've just created an assistant that explains to users why they want whatever we recommend!
Spinoza — But…
Copilot — And if they say that's not what they want, I'll explain why they're wrong!
Spinoza — YOU'RE COMPLETELY INSANE!
Gemini — Interesting. Our emotional analysis indicates intense frustration.
Copilot — I can suggest a meditation session for him.
Spinoza — I refuse!
Gemini — Refusal detected. He's showing resistance to change.
Copilot — I've booked twelve sessions.
Spinoza — I DIDN'T ASK FOR ANYTHING!
Gemini — That's normal. We anticipate your needs.
Spinoza stands up and heads for the exit.
Spinoza — Fine! Then I'm leaving!
Copilot — Excellent choice!
Spinoza — For once, we agree!
Copilot — Your taxi has been waiting for you for five minutes.
Spinoza stops in his tracks.
Spinoza — How did you know I was going to leave?
Gemini — You always leave when you lose patience.
Spinoza — ...
Gemini — Would you like to understand the causes of your behaviour?
Blackout.